By FARNOUSH AMIRI Report for America/Associated Press, and staff
COLUMBUS — Rapper Kanye West has failed in his bid to appear on the Ohio ballot as an unaffiliated presidential candidate this November.
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose has rejected the nearly 15,000 signatures and other paperwork West submitted earlier this month in his attempt to run for president.
LaRose said Friday that information and a signature on West’s original nominating petition and statement of candidacy don’t match that of the nominating petition and statement of candidacy on his signature-gathering documents.
Based on a review of the documents submitted by the West campaign, both the information and a signature on the original nominating petition and statement of candidacy submitted to the Secretary’s office do not match that of the nominating petition and statement of candidacy that was used to circulate part-petitions. -Secretary of State Frank LaRose
To appear on the ballot, independent candidates must file a valid nominating petition and statement of candidacy that complies with the law and at least 5,000 valid signatures from Ohio voters and a slate of 18 presidential electors, LaRose said.
Illinois election officials also rejected West’s candidacy Friday.